England 1924: the Doctor and Rose find themselves caught up in the hunt for a murderer. With faceless killers closing in, can they solve the myster...
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reviews
Dec 21, 2008
Angela
rated it: 
As I've posted about on my journal earlier, the Ninth Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, completely sold me on being a Doctor Who fan at last. And as I have also lamented, Mr. Eccleston held the role for entirely too little time. So I was rather interested when I was browsing at the University Bookstore the other day and found out that the BBC has been releasing hardback Ninth and Tenth Doctor novels. I picked up the first one, The Clockwise Man, by Justin Richards. Disappointing read, unfortunately
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May 18, 2009
Allison
rated it: 
I don't tend to hold very high expectations for novels based on televisions shows, yet somehow I can't stop myself from picking them up. This one was not the worst and not the best. From what I understand, the books were commissioned before any of the new series episodes were aired, and the authors were given only some basic information on the characters. Therefore, there are times when the Doctor and Rose seem to act out of character for themselves.
I enjoyed many of the new cha More...
I enjoyed many of the new cha More...
Oct 26, 2010
Richard
rated it:
While Doctor Who was off the air, for may years, both Virgin and BBC books produced ranges of ongoing novels following the character of the Doctor onwards from where he was last seen in screen. Given that the core audience were no longer children, but those who had been when it was on TV, the novels became increasingly sophisticated and mature. I really enjoyed those monthly releases, and was curious about the new range of books that were launched in line with the reinvention of the series in
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Aug 28, 2009
Holly (2 Kids and Tired)
rated it:
Rose and the Doctor land in 1924 London to attend the British Empire Exhibition. As usual, they find someone in trouble and that trouble leads to aliens: this time the mysterious Painted Lady and mechanical cats and men. The TARDIS disappears, servants are murdered and a sweet little boy helps save the day.
At times you can hear the ninth doctor's voice, but at other times you wonder who this man is. The climax at the end with Big Ben was fun. But, on the whole, entertaining and More...
At times you can hear the ninth doctor's voice, but at other times you wonder who this man is. The climax at the end with Big Ben was fun. But, on the whole, entertaining and More...
Aug 10, 2011
Katya
rated it:
If you're looking for more insight into how the Doctor and Rose felt or thought about each other at this early stage in their relationship, you're going to have to stick to fanfic. If you want MOAR NINE (as I did, cuz 13 episodes was NOT enough), you may be disappointed. This book is all plot and no characterization. It's not as exciting, emotionally poignant or funny as the tv show, but if you want a good "aliens and robots in interwar London" romp, it will provide. I looked forward t
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Jan 19, 2012
Cascata
rated it: 
The second series with Matt Smith as the eleventh doctor has been going on for a few weeks, and while I"m really into it and really want to see where it goes. Only one episode a week is a little slow for my taste. So I rewatched everything from 2005 until now, and I'm still not satisfied. However, the originals are a little too cheesy and full of cringe inducing special effects from a girl that grew up on the ever increasing abilities of CGI. So I picked up the first of the New Series A
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Oct 27, 2010
Christina Stind
rated it:
Doctor Who is a very established series in the UK. I was lucky to discover it when I was on maternity leave with my first daughter. I haven't seen any of the old series so my experience with the Doctor is with doctors nine, ten and now eleven - and I'm so hooked! I'm so impressed with how they are able to switch doctors and still keep the interest going and people keep tuning in - and let the doctors be so diferent, although still the same. Lots of interesting discussions about personal identity
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Oct 21, 2007
http://nhw.livejournal.com/761346.html[return][return]This is the first of the Doctor Who adventures to be published following the series' revival in 2005. It has the Ninth Doctor and Rose visiting London in 1924, encountering clockwork robots reminiscent of those that the Tenth Doctor meets in "The Girl in the Fireplace", having adventures around Big Ben not awfully dissimilar from "The Empty Child". At first I thought it was going to be about an anti-communist revolution in
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May 24, 2010
Sath
rated it:
The Doctor and Rose take a trip to 1920s london, and end up stuck there and entangled in a mystery, when someone steals the tardis.
The story was really well thought out, very good as a mystery/whodunnit style that makes me want to read more detective novels!
I love the clockwork elements; the clockwork have been my favourite throughout the new doctor who series, it's almost steampunky.
I thought the characters were pretty well written, contrary to other reviews on this book, I More...
The story was really well thought out, very good as a mystery/whodunnit style that makes me want to read more detective novels!
I love the clockwork elements; the clockwork have been my favourite throughout the new doctor who series, it's almost steampunky.
I thought the characters were pretty well written, contrary to other reviews on this book, I More...
Apr 30, 2010
George
rated it:
This was a very fun, quick read. I just recently got into Doctor Who with this Series I / Eighth Doctor and Rose thanks to Netflix streaming. I decided to check out the books to see what they were like and was pleasantly surprised at this book, since I have read crappy adaptation tie-in novels in the past. The author had a good handle on the "voice" of The Doctor and Rose. The story itself was very interesting and engaging. I look forward to other books in the series to be nearly as go
Aug 14, 2010
Rae
rated it:
It was good. I went into it wanting a little more 9th Doctor and a little more Rose Tyler and that's what I got. Bonus points for awesome clockwork cats.
Sure, the writing wasn't as long-winded and descriptive, but I didn't expect it to be an award-winning novel. It's a novel as a follow-up to a TV series that you already like.
Wikipedia has promised me more character development in future novels, so readin' on.
Sure, the writing wasn't as long-winded and descriptive, but I didn't expect it to be an award-winning novel. It's a novel as a follow-up to a TV series that you already like.
Wikipedia has promised me more character development in future novels, so readin' on.
Jan 28, 2008
Joni
rated it:
As a stand-alone book, poor. As a companion to television Dr. Who, pretty good. I mean, you don't expect something like this to be a bestselling medal-award-winning novel, do you? So I think reviewers that say it's basically a waste of time, though not in so many words, are being a bit harsh, because it was good at what it was supposed to do - entertain people who are already fans of the show.
It was a moderately exciting mystery, which keeps you guessing, but not in an annoying way, More...
It was a moderately exciting mystery, which keeps you guessing, but not in an annoying way, More...
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May 05, 2010
Reilly!
rated it:
For the first novel of the New Series it isn't awful. I quite enjoyed it actually. My biggest complaint is with the Doctor. He's still very new, both as the Ninth regeneration and as the first Doctor of the revived show, so his blankness can be forgiven . . . sort of. This can't excuse the complete lack of personality that Richards gives him. I found the minor characters far more interesting. Despite this, it was a fun little romp and felt very much in line with the action packed revival.
Dec 17, 2009
Liza
rated it: 
Another foray into the novels of Doctor Who, and this time with less than pleasant results. This book was just... bad. The characters of The Doctor and Rose were just way off, in my mind. No way would Rose ever, EVER smash a cat into a wall by the tail, especially if she didn't know it wasn't real already. And the Doctor himself was just way less respectful of other life-beings than he really would be. The man who just discovered, to his dismay, that he wasn't real and was actually mechanic
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Sep 27, 2009
Ruchi
rated it:
This one did not flow with the usual panache of the Doctor Who universe. The "clockwork" explanation seemed rather feeble to me, and put a bit of a damper on the rest of the story. However, if you manage to ignore those bits (and happen to be a Doctor Who fan), it was a gripping story in the end.
Nov 24, 2007
Fran
rated it:
I don't normally read books based on TV series' or films, but seeing as this (along with nine others) was on offer I decided to buy it. It's not going to win any prizes for writing style, but I found the story exciting and engaging and it kept me reading more than any book has since the last Harry Potter. Like a good Whodunnit it kept me guessing at who the bad guy might be and what really was going on, slowly giving me snippet by snippet of information so that I would realise something shortl
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Sep 28, 2008
Meagan
rated it: 
This book is really scary.
it is about the doctor and rose trapped inside a hut at winter, with only a fire place to keep them warm. then the doctor, somehow pulls down a candle and the fireplace moves around. the doctor suddenly finds himself back in time in the queen of France's bedroom. but she looks terrified, and she says that her clocks are all broken, but there is still a scary ticking noise, tick tock, tick tock. and the doctor slowly bends down beside her bed, and lifts up the cover, and More...
it is about the doctor and rose trapped inside a hut at winter, with only a fire place to keep them warm. then the doctor, somehow pulls down a candle and the fireplace moves around. the doctor suddenly finds himself back in time in the queen of France's bedroom. but she looks terrified, and she says that her clocks are all broken, but there is still a scary ticking noise, tick tock, tick tock. and the doctor slowly bends down beside her bed, and lifts up the cover, and More...
Jul 28, 2011
David
rated it:
The first novel of the new Doctor Who series gets the range off to a very good start. Good pacing and interesting characters and character development, make for a solid and enjoyable, if unspectacular story.
Jan 10, 2012
Julia
rated it:
I don't know why so many people rag on these books. From what I understood these are young adult to begin with. And I thought it was typical of the 2005 series. Fun. A little cheesy. Entertaining way to pass a late evening.
Apr 08, 2009
Afira
rated it:
Wow, this book is almost the equivalent to the episodes! (not including video of course) It's soo well written! It even has the Bad Wolf arc in it!
*sigh* As the Doctor would say, "Fantastic!"
XD
*sigh* As the Doctor would say, "Fantastic!"
XD
Jul 07, 2011
Allison
rated it:
Sometimes, a girl needs a good old-fashioned escapist time. Some people buy romance novels; I buy Doctor Who novels. And you know what? I wouldn't mind re-reading this one, so there.
Jun 01, 2011
Rosemary
rated it:
Eh, not terrible, but the Doctor and Rose aren't quite in character and at the end of the book the Doctor gives his leather jacket away. Um, WTF? That kind of thing grates on me.
May 16, 2011
Jimmy
rated it:
It’s definitely not my favorite Doctor Who book that I’ve read, but it was okay. Reading it, it feels that some important element is missing that we get from the TV series. I wouldn’t recommend this book, but I expect Doctor Who fans will give it a go, like I did.
On the other hand, Rose’s conversation with Beth brings back fantastic memories of Gwyneth at the undertakers, Cardiff, and Torchwood. And Justin Richards doesn’t miss a beat when bad wolf is brought up in conversation to the More...
On the other hand, Rose’s conversation with Beth brings back fantastic memories of Gwyneth at the undertakers, Cardiff, and Torchwood. And Justin Richards doesn’t miss a beat when bad wolf is brought up in conversation to the More...
Aug 16, 2011
Snuffles
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book. It was exciting, with unexpected twists (at least for me they were unexpected) and interesting characters (besides the Doctor and Rose ;)) that I cared for.
Sep 29, 2011
Megan
rated it:
This is the first novel of the new Doctor Who series, featuring the Ninth doctor and Rose Tyler.
I enjoyed this in the beginning, with its unique setting (London in the 1920s and feeling a little steampunky), the clockwork men (shades of The Girl in the Fireplace), and fun "political" intrigue, but I felt it fell flat about halfway through. Originally the Doctor and Rose are well-portrayed with decent dialogue, but everyone seems the same in the latter half, particularly the More...
I enjoyed this in the beginning, with its unique setting (London in the 1920s and feeling a little steampunky), the clockwork men (shades of The Girl in the Fireplace), and fun "political" intrigue, but I felt it fell flat about halfway through. Originally the Doctor and Rose are well-portrayed with decent dialogue, but everyone seems the same in the latter half, particularly the More...
Jun 29, 2007
Kevin
rated it:
Minor plot holes aside (holes which would've reduced the book's length by a good 60 pages), this book is a fun book.
With characters that seem to jump off the page, this book captures Doctor Who and Rose Tyler in a great adventure. Though no book written for Doctor Who is considered in continuity (due to BBC licensing and broadcast regulations), this book follows as close to continuity as it can (a departure from past Doctor Who books which tend to break continuity in the worst possi More...
With characters that seem to jump off the page, this book captures Doctor Who and Rose Tyler in a great adventure. Though no book written for Doctor Who is considered in continuity (due to BBC licensing and broadcast regulations), this book follows as close to continuity as it can (a departure from past Doctor Who books which tend to break continuity in the worst possi More...
Feb 16, 2011
Cody
rated it:
I don't hold extended universe novels up to very high standards, but I still struggled to finish this.
The Doctor and Rose's personality were way off. Which... may actually be a good thing for Rose because she was always pretty terrible. This was written pretty early in the relaunch, so maybe there wasn't a lot of time to get their personalities down? I don't know.
The Painted Lady was an interesting character and the best thing to come from the book. The plot wasn't terrible, More...
The Doctor and Rose's personality were way off. Which... may actually be a good thing for Rose because she was always pretty terrible. This was written pretty early in the relaunch, so maybe there wasn't a lot of time to get their personalities down? I don't know.
The Painted Lady was an interesting character and the best thing to come from the book. The plot wasn't terrible, More...
Nov 22, 2009
megan
rated it:
this was the first doctor who book i read and even though i cried at the end i did love it.
Aug 01, 2011
Deedee
rated it:
It was good at what it was supposed to do - entertain people who are already fans of the show.
Aug 07, 2011
Tim
rated it:
So many Doctor Who books (and I have all the new ones)....a written review is unnecessary for them all.
